Today we’d like to introduce you to Justin LeBlanc.
Hi Justin, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I started singing at a local church while I was waiting tables in The Woodlands. While it was only volunteer, I was rewarded with the feeling that I was a part of something bigger than myself. After getting a job in the retail world, I was unable to sing in the capacity I wanted at church and soon became mobbed down by the retail rat race. I drove from Spring to Kemah for five years working in a windowless room doing menial repetitive work with almost no hope of upward mobility.
I started singing in a duo group on the weekends to make some extra money and we just seemed to click so well and quickly began getting booked regularly. So much so, that I talked with my wife and discussed a career change. It might be less money, but the quality time would make up for it. Fast forward a couple of months later and I was already clearing more income than I had in my previous endeavors. I couldn’t believe I was being paid to sing and play guitar! And thriving!
That was in 2015, I have been a full-time musician ever since and haven’t looked back! I love the autonomy, I love the flexibility and being in control of my own path. My duo partner and I parted ways amicably after 3 years together so I have been a solo performer since then. Easier to schedule, no drama, the band never breaks up!
My main priority now is focusing on more weddings, private and corporate events. Thats where I see my greatest compatibility.
I have made so many amazing relationships through this career and love the people that have entered my life because of it!
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Things were great until COVID, but that story is hardly unique. Both my wife and I suffered greatly from the shutdown as we are both in the hospitality business. She is an amazing bartender and has been soing so since before we got married, 19 years ago!
We struggled to make ends meet with 2 young girls, but we were able to create a modest financial stream by doing livestreams where she would present a new drink recipe before I would take requests on the guitar. The outpouring of love and generosity got us through those tough times along with the ever-constant support from our parents.
When restaurants started opening back up, they were quick to embrace us again as we tried to deliver a dose of normalcy to those that desperately needed it.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Solo musician specializing in Top 40 variety music including Classic, Country, Pop, Alternative, Soul, R&B, Oldies and anything that I think sounds good to me!
Probably most proud of my Mashups, where I splice songs together that have similar rhythms and chord structures. I love when I am able to connect a song to another!
Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
Don’t rely on a phone call or email. If you want to play at a venue, you need to do some work. Visit the location in person and put a face with your name.
Be creative with your product. If you are newer, maybe discount the price in order to get an opportunity to play, then build your value.
Don’t be afraid of a “No”. You will never know your real value if every time you give someone a quote, they always say “Yes”. You can always negotiate down, not up.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.jus10sense.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jus10sense/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jus10sense/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justin-leblanc-7525a7119
- Twitter: https://x.com/jus10sense
- Youtube: https://m.youtube.com/@jus10sense/
